How to Live a Little More Comfortably This Summer

Air conditioning is often used as a first line of defence during summer, but the overuse or frequent use of air conditioning systems can often make your energy bill skyrocket. So what can you do to stay cool during the summer months without running up your bill and pumping carbon into the environment?
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make summer more comfortable without breaking the bank.

Natural Ventilation
By opening windows at either end of your home, you allow cross-ventilation to occur. Often, this gesture is enough to cool your home to a liveable level without having to turn on the air conditioning. If you still find that your home is uncomfortably warm after trying a natural ventilation approach for an hour or so, you can use your air conditioner, but sometimes it can save you a lot of money if you try opening your windows first.

 
Eco-Friendly Air Conditioning Systems
Many heating and cooling companies now offer eco-friendly air conditioning systems. Jarrahdale’s air conditioners, for example, are designed to use less energy while e cooling your home. If you haven’t upgraded your air conditioning system in a few years, you might want to consider it.. The up-front costs are quickly mitigated by the substantial savings you’ll experience on your energy bill.

Window to Comfort
Closing the drapes when the sun is most penetrating – generally the early hours of the day – can help keep your home cool. For those who don’t have drapes, venetian blinds can be angled upwards or closed for protection against the heat. Being able to control the light that enters your home is directly related to your ability to control the temperature of your home.

Fans
Sometimes when people think their home is very hot, it’s actually just humid or stuffy. When air sits without being circulated, it becomes stagnant. This can result in a feeling of heavy, thick air, which is often interpreted by the body as heat. By placing large fans in the main rooms of your home, you can circulate the air and provide cooling to the whole house without having to turn on the air conditioning and use energy. Additionally, if you have ceiling fans, utilise them during this time of the year. Having a ceiling fan can help spread the air throughout the room and keep things cool.

Thermostat Settings
Turn your thermostat to 25 degrees Celsius when you’re home and 29 degrees Celsius when you’re away. If you or someone you live with has a health problem that makes them sensitive to heat, you may want to lower it to about 23 degrees Celsius when you’re home. Either way, keeping your home as cool as possible when you’re there and saving energy when you’re gone allows you to experience the maximum benefit of your air conditioning unit at the lowest cost.

Making a few simple changes to your everyday routine can help mitigate the effects of the summer heat. Investing in eco-friendly and energy-saving appliances is one of the best ways to reduce costs, and it helps you reduce your carbon footprint in the process. Using natural cooling methods or low-electricity options before turning on the air conditioning can save you money, but if you are using air conditioning make sure you upgrade to an energy-saving model so you can stay cool without breaking the bank.

Joshua Maddock is a careful and thrifty homeowner. He enthusiastically blogs about practical ways to maintain a home, lower costs, and personalise the space.

Image courtesy of winnond / FreeDigitalPhotos.net